Optics and Coatings for High Energy Laser Applications

This purpose of this project is to develop coatings for use inside the gain cavity of next generation Diode Pumped Alkali Lasers (DPALs). These coatings will be applied to transparent surfaces of the cavity used to couple the pump energy into the gain media and allow the transmission of the alkali lasing wavelength. These coatings will serve two purposes: protection of the transparent window (e.g. sapphire) from chemical attack by the Rb vapor at elevated temperatures with simultaneous irradiance by the pump and output beam. Furthermore, the coating will also form an AR coating substantially decreasing the reflective loss which currently occurs from all surfaces. These benefits will improve DPAL performance and extend the operating lifetime. Acree Technologies Incorporated"s extensive experience in the design of coatings for harsh environments and coating capability provides a unique combination for successful completion of this important work.